Central Floridians arrested in nationwide child predator sweep

Nearly 200 suspected child predators were arrested, including five in Central Florida, and 18 victims were rescued by federal authorities during a month-long operation,U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcementannounced Friday.

The nationwide sweep, dubbed "Operation Orion," targeted people who possessed, received, transported, distributed, advertised or produced images or videos of child pornography.

Most of the arrests were made in the U.S., but also included arrests in Spain, the Philippines, Argentina and the United Kingdom.

Dozens of arrests were made in Florida, including: Two in Orlando, three in Cocoa Beach and 31 in Sarasota. Arrests were also made in Pensacola, Fort Myers and Jacksonville.

Identities of those arrested were not immediately released.

"With the advent of summer vacation, children may have more time and access to the Internet, making this a good time to talk to them about online dangers. Many of the child exploitation cases under Operation Orion began with a child or teen chatting with someone he or she met online," said ICE Director John Morton in a prepared statement.

"Let this operation be a warning to anyone who would think they can use the Internet to exploit children: we are out there looking for you, we will find you, and you will be prosecuted."